Road_Fund_South_Landscape_Maintenance_Services_(Addendum_#1_Revision).pdf

REQUEST FOR BID

2026-RFB-0074

ROAD FUND SOUTH LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SERVICES

County of Sacramento

9660 Ecology Lane

Sacramento, CA 95827

RELEASE DATE: September 4, 2026

DEADLINE FOR QUESTIONS: September 18, 2026

RESPONSE DEADLINE: October 2, 2026, 2:00 pm

RESPONSES MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO:

https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/saccounty https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/%7bproject.government.code%7d

REQUEST FOR BID

Road Fund South Landscape Maintenance Services

1. Definitions

2. Introduction

3. Bidder's Instructions

4. Basis for Award

5. Scope of Work

6. Vendor Submissions

7. Pricing Table

8. Sacramento County Standard Terms and Conditions

9. Additional Terms and Conditions

10. Environmental Purchasing Policy

11. Environmental Purchasing Policy With SB1383

12. Insurance Requirements for Contractors

13. Good Neighbor Policy

14. Prevailing Wage

Attachments:

A - ATT 3 - Location Map 2

B - ATT 1 - Data Sheet

C - ATT 2 - Task Freq

D - ATT 3 - Location Map 1

Request for Bid #2026-RFB-0074 Title: Road Fund South Landscape Maintenance Services

1. Definitions

Response: The written, signed and sealed complete document(s) submitted according to the bid instructions. Response does not include any verbal or documentary interaction apart from submittal of a formal Response.

Request/Proposal/Bid: The completed and released solicitation document, including all subsequent addenda, made publicly available to all prospective bidders.

We/Us/Our:Terms that refer to the County of Sacramento, a duly organized public entity. They may also be used as pronouns for various subsets of the County organization, including, as the context will indicate:

• Purchasing - the Contracts and Purchasing Services Division of the Department of General

Services.

• Department/Division – The department or division requesting the goods or services contained in this request, for which this bid is prepared and which will be the end user of the requested goods or services.

• Constituency – the client base or County population which may benefit from the procurement of goods and/or services requested herein.

You/Your: Terms that refer to businesses/individuals submitting a response. The term may apply differently as the context will indicate.

• Supplier - A business entity engaged in the business of providing goods, equipment and/or services.

• Bidder - A business entity submitting a Response to this bid. Suppliers which may express interest in this bid, but who do not submit a Response, have no obligations with respect to the bid requirements.

• Contractor - The Bidder(s) whose Response to this bid is evaluated as meeting the needs of the

County. Contractor(s) will be selected for award, and will enter into a contract(s) for provision of the services described in this bid.

• Contractor’s Employee - All persons who can be offered to provide the goods, equipment and/or services described in the bid. All employees of the Contractor shall be covered by the insurance programs normally provided to persons employed by a company (ex: Worker’s Comp, SDI, etc.).

Mandatory: A required element of this request/proposal/bid. Failure to satisfy any element of this request/proposal/bid defined as “mandatory” will disqualify the particular response.

Default: A failure to act as required by any contract resulting from this request, which may trigger the right to sue or may excuse the other party's obligation to perform under the contract.

Cancellation/Termination: A unilateral or mutual decision to not complete an exchange or perform an obligation under any contract resulting from this request.

“Or Equal”: A statement used for reference to indicate the character or quality desired in a requested product or service. When specified in a bid document, equal items will be considered, provided the response clearly describes the article. Offers of equal items must state the brand and number, or level of quality. When brand, number, or level of quality is not stated by bidder, the offer will be considered exactly as specified. The determination of the Purchasing Agent as to what items are equal is final and conclusive.

2. Introduction

2.1. Summary

The County of Sacramento, through its Department of Transportation (DOT), is soliciting bids from qualified contractors to provide comprehensive landscape, irrigation, and facility maintenance services across publicly owned properties and road right-of-ways. This Request for Bid (RFB) encompasses a wide range of site and vegetation management activities—including turf care, fescue maintenance, pruning, weed abatement, fertilization, litter removal, wall upkeep, and grounds-related support services— critical to maintaining the County's public improvements and roadside enhancements.

Work performed under this contract will include both scheduled Monthly Maintenance Tasks and responsive Unscheduled Work. Service requirements will vary by site, landscape type, season, and DOT needs, and may involve tree staking, water management, pest and disease control, and maintenance of furniture and site amenities. All activities must align with the operational goals and safety standards of the DOT.

Contractors must demonstrate experience, agility, and capacity to deliver high-quality services across diverse settings. This contract will serve as a key resource to maintain the functionality, safety, and appearance of Sacramento County’s transportation-adjacent landscapes and public spaces.

The anticipated contract term begins January 1, 2027, and runs through December 31, 2027, with the option to renew annually for up to four additional one-year terms through December 31, 2031, pending

Board of Supervisors approval. Final contract execution will be subject to the terms and conditions set forth by the County’s Contract and Purchasing Services Division.

2.2. Contact Information

Any inquiries or requests regarding this solicitation must be submitted via OpenGov. Contact with unauthorized County personnel during the selection process may result in disqualification.

Maria Cojocari

Contract Services Officer

9660 Ecology Lane

California, CA 95827

Email: cojocarim@saccounty.gov

Phone: (916) 876-6363

Department:

DGS: CAPSD - Procurement

Department Head:

Brandalyn Tramel

Purchasing Agent mailto:cojocarim@saccounty.gov tel:(916)876-6363

2.3. Timeline

Release Project Date September 4, 2026

Question Submission Deadline September 18, 2026, 2:00pm

Addendum Issued (if necessary) September 30, 2026, 2:00pm

Submission Deadline October 2, 2026, 2:00pm

3. Bidder's Instructions

3.1. General Format

Respond to all requests for information and completion of forms contained in this Request for Bid. A qualifying response must address all items. Brochures and advertisements will not be considered a complete reply to requests for information and will not be accepted as such. Bidder is solely responsible for accuracy and completeness of bid response and for electronically separating and marking documents as confidential when submitting their response through SacCountyEbids. Responses considered incomplete may be rejected.

3.2. Alteration of Bid Text

The original text of this bid document, as well as any attachments, amendments or other official correspondence related to this bid document, may not be manually, electronically or otherwise altered by bidder or bidder’s agent(s). Any response containing altered, deleted, additional or otherwise non-original text will be disqualified.

3.3. Preparation of Response

A. All responses must be signed by an authorized officer or employee of the responder.

B. Responses must be submitted prior to the specified date and time, using the Sacramento

County’s Electronic Bidding website (SacCountyEbids). Responses delivered by hand, fax, telephone, e-mail, or any postal carrier will not be accepted. If bidder uploads a file to

SacCountyEbids, it is bidder responsibility to ensure the file is not corrupt or damaged. If County is unable to open an attachment because it is damaged, corrupt, infected, etc., it may disqualify bidder’s submission. See this training guide for guidance entering your online response.

C. Time of delivery must be stated as the number of calendar days following receipt of the order by the bidder to receipt of the goods or services by the County.

D. Time of delivery may be a consideration in the award.

E. Prices will be considered as net if no cash discount is offered. If a discrepancy between the unit price and the item total exists, the unit price prevails.

F. Shipping Terms: F.O.B. Destination, freight prepaid and added; Payment Terms: NET/30.

3.4. Confidential Information/Public Record

All responses become property of the County. All responses, including the accepted bid and any subsequent contract, become public records per the requirements of the California Government Code, Sections 6250 -6270, “California Public Records Act”. Proprietary material must be clearly marked as such. Pricing and service elements of the successful bid are not considered proprietary information.

The County will treat all information submitted in a bid as available for public inspection once the

County has selected a contractor. If you believe that you have a legally justifiable basis under the

California Public Records Act (Government Section 6250 et. seq.) for protecting the confidentiality of any https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/saccounty https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/saccounty https://secure.procurenow.com/portal/saccounty http://help.procurenow.com/en/articles/5815468-opengov-procurement-vendor-training information contained within your bid, you must identify any such information, together with the legal basis of your claim in your bid, and present such information separately as part of your response.

The final determination as to whether the County will assert your claim of confidentiality on your behalf shall be at the sole discretion of the County. If the County makes a determination that your information does not meet the criteria for confidentiality, you will be notified as such. Any information deemed to be non-confidential shall be considered public record.

4. Basis for Award

Public Bid Opening: As soon as possible after the date and time specified by the Request for Bid, pricing information will made public to all bidders. The responses will remain sealed during the bid evaluation period, and will be made available for public inspection upon notice of bid award.

This bid award will be determined by lowest responsive and responsible bidder whose bid meets all specifications, terms, and conditions of this Request for Bid (RFB). Bid responses will be considered valid for a period of 180 calendar days after bid closing date above.

To be considered responsive, bidders must:

• Submit all required pricing documentation by the bid deadline

• Comply with all licensing and qualification requirements

• Acknowledge any addenda if issued

To be considered responsible, bidders must:

• Demonstrate the ability to perform the required services

• Hold all required licenses and certifications

• Maintain insurance coverage as specified

• Have a satisfactory record of past performance

Note: All specifications, terms and conditions of this request will apply to any resulting order.

Additional Considerations:

During the course of evaluations, the Evaluation Committee may:

A. Choose to contact officials from other jurisdictions regarding the Bidder, their prior work experience, and their ability to successfully complete the scope of services.

B. Request clarification or additional information from a Bidder in order to assist in the evaluation process. This process may not be used as an opportunity to submit missing documentation, change pricing, or make major revisions to the original response.

C. Require changes in the scope of services, as deemed necessary by the County, before Contract execution.

5. Scope of Work

5.1. Important Instructions for Electronic Submittal

The County is accepting electronic bid submissions. Bidders shall create a FREE account with OpenGov

Procurement by signing up at Sign Up (opengov.com). Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on "Submit Response", and follow the instructions to submit the electronic bid.

5.2. 1. PRIMARY SPECIFICATIONS

1. Description of Work:

The work to be performed is comprised of general horticultural maintenance, irrigation maintenance, grounds maintenance, public facility maintenance, lighting maintenance, wall maintenance and necessary services to support the public improvements. The service locations are throughout the

County on public owned properties and road right-of-ways. The work shall include the “Monthly

Maintenance Tasks”, “Unscheduled Work” and support services to maintain the County of Sacramento improvements administered by the Department of Transportation management. Requirements will vary by location, season, type of landscaping, site improvements and services requested.

“Unscheduled Work” shall have prior written approval by the Department of Transportation or the designated representative via work authorization number specific to work item. Services may be needed that are not within the Contractor’s expertise or ability, and a subcontractor may be necessary or requested to compete the work.

Individual maintenance activities shall conform to the following standards:

Workmanship: All materials and workmanship shall be of a quality that is equal or superior to similar work performed in the Industry and meet County standards. Work shall be subject to inspection prior to payment being authorized. Work shall be conducted in such a manner as to have the least amount of interference with operation and public use of the landscaped facilities and use of adjacent streets and sidewalks.

Safety: All services, supplies, and equipment must comply with the California Safety Division of

Industrial Safety Orders and O.S.H.A. The Contractor shall plan and conduct the work in a manner that will safeguard all persons from injury, and the Contractor shall take all precautions required by applicable regulations of the State Department of Industrial Relations. The Contractor shall conduct all work in compliance with current State of California, Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

(MUTCD). The Contractor's employees shall wear O.S.H.A approved safety vests at all times during contract work.

Hazards and Vandalism: Hazards or acts of vandalism should be reported to the County Representative in a timely manner. Hazards include but are not limited to; broken tree limbs, erosion, holes, in-ground boxes with missing or broken lids, exposed wire, landscape hazards, standing water, excavations, unsecured materials, visibility disruptions, landscape encroachment onto roadways or pedestrian use areas.

https://procurement.opengov.com/signup

Hazards should be mitigated in a timely manner. Hazards should be documented in a format that is substantial enough to clearly show the hazard, contractor’s response and associated cost.

Undocumented remedial actions are subject to denial of payment for the service.

All hazards created or caused by the actions of the Contractor shall be reported to the County

Representative in a timely manner and immediately mitigated by the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense. Contractor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County from any liabilities, losses, claims, demands, costs, expenses or attorney fees incurred by the County as a result hazards created or caused by the Contractor.

2. Qualifications:

The work is to be performed by a landscape contractor, licensed by the State of California. The license shall be C-27.

Contractor will be required to be able to respond to any specified location with no more than a sixty -

(60) minute response time. Contractor shall have a voice communication system that allows the County the ability to contact the Contractor in an emergency twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven days a week. Failure to respond may result in termination of the remainder of the contract.

All tree pruning shall be performed by an ISA Certified Arborist. Pruning may be done by the contractor’s staff if hazardous conditions need remedy or if specific persons are approved by a County

Representative to provide the service. All pruning work that cannot be provided under the contractor’s

/ subcontractor’s State License or the contractor’s insurance policies shall be completed by a State

Licensed Arborist contractor. The license shall be a D-49 or C-49.

Traffic control shall comply with the current MUTCD and current County of Sacramento, Standard

Construction Specifications, Section 12, “Safety, Public Convenience, and Traffic Control,” requirements for traffic control within the County of Sacramento.

https://development.saccounty.gov/content/dam/cd/cmid/docs/archive/2024/SP-12.pdf

Licenses, certification, and personal competency varies dependent upon the traffic control necessary to complete this contract. The proper procedures and authority to provide traffic control is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall use trained and certified personal to provide for traffic control. The Contractor shall be aware of and shall comply with County ordinances governing landscape maintenance work and traffic control regulations while providing work under the resultant contract. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work described herein.

The contractor may use pesticides and herbicides to complete the contracted obligations. All pesticide, herbicide, fertilizers and/or other materials shall be used in accordance with manufacturer requirements, State of California laws and regulations, and County of Sacramento ordinances and regulations. All materials shall be provided, stored, and transported per manufacturer, State of

California, and County of Sacramento requirements. All material used shall have PCA recommendation.

https://development.saccounty.gov/content/dam/cd/cmid/docs/archive/2024/SP-12.pdf

The Contractor and his/her employees shall have direct experience in the use of various central control irrigation systems. Experience shall include programming and the troubleshooting of field operation and equipment. In the event the Contractor’s staff is not experienced and County Property is damaged as a result of the Contractor’s inability, the Contractor shall be liable for repair or replacement. County staff may require the Contractor’s staff to demonstrate knowledge of technical controller operation and programming at a County site.

The Contractor may be required to apply for and execute an encroachment permit for service provided under this contract.

3. Contract Period:

Contracts resulting from this RFB shall be for a period of one year, with the option for four one-year renewal periods. Each option shall be for the subsequent calendar year.

4. Items of Work:

The construction quality and materials quality shall be consistent with the current County of

Sacramento, Standard Construction Specifications, and/or as identified in these Special Provisions, or as directed by County representatives.

https://development.saccounty.gov/us/en/construction-management-inspection/standard-construction-specifications.html#gsc.tab=0%3E%3EThe

5. Locations/Site Changes:

The County reserves the right to add, delete, or change locations under this contract, and the County may do so upon giving written notification to the Contractor. Changes that cause an increase or a decrease in service costs due to changes in maintenance services, area of maintenance, or frequency of services will be adjusted and agreed upon by the County and the Contractor. In the event the contractor fails to perform, sites may be removed from the contract and be included in another contract administered by the County and/or provided for by County forces.

6. Prosecution of Work:

The receipt of notice that the contract has been awarded shall not constitute authority for the

Contractor to enter upon the sites of work and begin landscape maintenance services. The Contractor may not start work until all required submittals are delivered and approved, a contract has been executed, and notification has been given by the Department of Transportation.

The contracted sites are identified in the Pricing Response Tables. Attachments 1 through 3 further identify the locations, required services and site information. Services shall not be provided until the

Department of Transportation staff gives authority to begin work.

https://development.saccounty.gov/us/en/construction-management-inspection/standard-construction-specifications.html#gsc.tab=0%3E%3EThe https://development.saccounty.gov/us/en/construction-management-inspection/standard-construction-specifications.html#gsc.tab=0%3E%3EThe

During the course of the contract, the Contractor may employ or be required to employ a subcontractor.

The County of Sacramento may require the use of a subcontractor if services cannot be performed in a reasonable time frame, if the Contractor(s) does not have the ability or expertise, if the Contractor does not have the proper qualifications, if the Contractor has demonstrated unsafe practices, and/or if the sub-contractor can provide services in a more cost effective manner. The contractor may use a subcontractor but shall be obligated as follows:

• Contractor shall obtain prior written approval from the County subcontracting any services delivered under this agreement

• Contractor remains legally reasonable for the performance of all contract terms include work performed by third parties under sub-contractors. Any subcontracting will be subject to provisions of this agreement.

• Contractor shall be held responsible for the performance of any subcontractor whether approved by the County of not

• Contractor may not assign any part of a resulting contract, in whole or in part, without written consent of the County.

7. Monthly Maintenance Cost:

The Contractor shall bid, for each location, a Monthly Maintenance cost and an Annual Maintenance cost for the contract term. Said prices shall be indicated on the corresponding Pricing Responses-

Monthly Maintenance. Price increases for each annual extension will be adjusted based on Consumer

Price Index (CPI), U.S. Cities Average. Annual pricing adjustments will be based on the most recent available previous quarter at the time the option/contract is prepared by the County.

Work shall include all equipment, labor, material, and associated costs for the maintenance tasks described in these specifications. Work shall also include inspection and management of all services for all the sites. All public policies, regulations, and ordinances guiding any of the contracted work tasks shall be adhered to.

The Task Frequency Sheets (TFS) are included in these specifications. An ‘x’ in the TFS indicates that the

Maintenance Bid Item is to be performed at the corresponding site. The Monthly Maintenance cost shall include the tasks performed at the frequency as identified. The bid items in the “Maintenance Bid

Items” (next section) describe the specific services and correspond to the numbered items as shown on the TFS.

The Data Sheets (DS) are provided and identify site square footages and irrigation type and equipment.

The DS shall be used as a guide. The information shall be verified by the contractor. The Contractor shall be familiar with all sites and the required services per site prior to submitting a bid. Bids based on square footages represented in the DS is at the contractor’s risk. In the event, the DS sheets are significantly different from the actual site, the County may adjust the bid price on a pro-rata basis at the

County’s discretion. See “Site inspection/Plan Review” for additional site information.

5.3. 2. Maintenance Bid Items

1. Turf Mowing, Trimming, and Edging:

All turf shall be mowed to maintain a uniform height of no more than 2-4 inches. Turf shall be mowed one time per week between March 1 and October 31. Turf shall be mowed one time every other week between November 1 and February 28. Height of mow shall be determined based on seasonal needs or desired appearance. Adjustments to the mow height may be required by the County of Sacramento.

All turf shall be mechanically edged along the entire perimeter. Turf shall be edged one time per week between March 1 and October 31. Turf shall be edged one time every other week between November 1 and February 28.

Trimming and cleaning around irrigation heads shall be done as necessary to provide proper water coverage and head operation. String edgers may be used as needed around poles, against sound walls, and around controller enclosures, vaults, etc. Damage caused by string edging shall repaired by the contractor.

Tree wells in lawn areas shall have a minimum 24-inch radius from tree trunk, clear and void of turf and weeds. Chemical sprays or string edgers may be used, but care shall be taken not to damage trees. Damage to trees will result in replacement of the tree at Contractor’s expense.

The contractor shall use walk behind mowers for all mowing of turf unless otherwise approved.

Papers, rubbish and debris shall be removed by the Contractor prior to mowing.

2. Turf Fertilization:

Turf shall be fertilized two times per year: in March and October. Fertilizer shall be homogenized time-release pellet type, balance by weight for seasonal needs or as directed/approved by the County

Representative. Each application shall be at a rate of two (2) pounds per one thousand (1,000) square feet. The contractor shall remove all fertilizers that do not remain in the target area, for example sidewalk, gutters, hardscape. The fertilizers that do not remain in the target area shall be collected, reused or disposed of per County of Sacramento regulation. The Landscape Contractor shall provide an annual fertilization schedule to be approved by the County Representative.

All fertilizers shall be watered into the soil within three days of application and/or per manufacturer’s specifications. Where drip systems exist, the fertilizer shall be watered into the soil within three days of application, using a hose if necessary or water truck if necessary. The Contractor may use dissolvable fertilizer tablets deposited into the wye-filter with prior approval of the County Representative. The

Contractor shall use tablets produced for this type of application.

The County Representative may require the Contractor to deposit empty fertilizer bags at a predetermined location to verify composition and rate of application.

The Contractor shall notify the County Representative in writing 48 hours in advance of applications with specific locations identified for verification of applications. Lack of notification will result in payment withholding.

It is recommended that the contractor have a Pest Control Advisor / Integrated Pest Management

Consultant prepare a fertilizer, pesticide and weed control program.

3. Turf Aeration:

All turf areas shall be aerated one time per year: in April. A coring-type aerator shall be used, and all sprinkler heads must be flagged prior to aeration. Damages by aeration activities to the landscape and

/or facilities shall be repaired by the contractor at the contractor’s expense.

The Contractor shall notify the County Representative 48 hours in advance of aeration.

4. Turf Weed Control:

The Turf areas shall be kept free of weeds at all times during the entire term of the contract. Weed removal may be done manually or by use of selective weed killers as recommended by a Pest Control

Advisor. Damage caused by herbicide and pesticide use that is not the intended target shall be the liability of the contractor and shall be repaired at contractor’s cost.

Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations. Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Manufacturer’s Label.

Weeds that reach a height of 4 inches or more shall be manually removed or hand pulled. Chemical spraying shall not be permitted for weeds exceeding 4" in height. All weed debris shall be removed from the area.

5. Fescue Seed head Removal and Edging:

Hard Fescue and Tall Fescue seed heads shall be weed eaten one (1) time per year, as directed by the

County Representative. Seed head clippings shall be removed from the site. Fescue shall be edged along the entire perimeter one (1) time per year in conjunction with the seed head removal.

6. Fescue Mowing, Trimming and Edging:

Fescue shall be mowed or weed eaten to a height of four (4) inches and shall be edged along the entire perimeter one (1) time per year as directed by the County Representative.

7. Fescue Fertilization:

Fertilizers shall be applied one time per year: in March. Fertilizer shall be homogenized time-release pellet type, balance by weight for seasonal needs or as directed/approved by the County

Representative. Each application shall be at a rate of two (2) pounds per one thousand (1,000) square feet. The contractor shall remove all fertilizers that do not remain in the target area, for example sidewalk, gutters, hardscape. The fertilizers that do not remain in the target area shall be collected, reused or disposed of per County of Sacramento regulation. The Landscape Contractor shall provide an annual fertilization schedule to be approved by the County Representative.

All fertilizers shall be watered into the soil within three days of application and/or per manufacturer’s specifications. Where drips systems exist, the fertilizer shall be watered into the soil within three days of application, using a hose if necessary or water truck if necessary. The Contractor may use dissolvable fertilizer tablets deposited into the wye-filter with prior approval of the County Representative. The

Contractor shall use tablets produced for this type of application.

The County Representative may require the Contractor to deposit empty fertilizer bags at a predetermined location to verify composition and rate of application.

The Contractor shall notify the County Representative in writing 48 hours in advance of applications with specific locations identified for verification of applications. Lack of notification will result in payment withholding.

8. Fescue Weed Control:

The Fescue areas shall be kept free of weeds at all times during the entire term of the contract. Weed removal may be done manually or by use of selective weed killers as recommended by a Pest Control

Advisor. Damage caused by herbicide and pesticide use that is not the intended target shall be the liability of the contractor and shall be repaired at contractor’s cost.

Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations. Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Manufacturer’s Label.

Weeds that reach a height of 4 inches or more shall be manually removed or hand pulled. Chemical spraying shall not be permitted for weeds exceeding 4 inches in height. All weed debris shall be removed from the area.

9. Tree Pruning:

Tree pruning shall be performed as needed and as directed by the County Representative. Tree pruning shall be considered cuts made up to a height of 10 feet and cuts made to limbs with a diameter no greater than two (2) inches.

Pruning of trees shall be performed to: (1) eliminate encroachment over roadways, walkways, paved areas; (2) to eliminate any visibility obstructions; (3) to remove suckers, water sprouts, and other undesirable growth on trees; (4) to remove all dead, damaged or diseased branches; (5) to remove growth that is causing damage to other facilities or infrastructure; (6) eliminate encroachment and/or nuisance concerns for adjacent properties

All pruning activities shall be approved by the County Representative unless the pruning eliminates a hazardous condition. Hazardous conditions should be remedied immediately and documented with photographs that clearly identify the intent and solution for County staff verification.

All pruning shall be done by qualified professional personnel using the Western Chapter of the

International Society of Arboriculture pruning standards, approved methods and techniques. All pruning cuts shall be made at the branch collar without removing any branch collar tissue. Trees shall be cleanly cut with no tearing of the bark.

Young trees shall be pruned to select and develop permanent scaffold branches that are smaller in diameter than the trunk or the branch to that they are attached. Scaffold branching shall have vertical spacing of approx., 12-18 inches and radial orientation so as not to overlay one another. Under no circumstances will stripping of lower branches ("raising-up") of young trees be permitted unless authorized by the County Representative. Lower branches shall be reduced to eliminate encroach over sidewalk and roadways unless necessary to eliminate encroachment. All young tree pruning shall be approved by the County Representative unless hazardous condition exists, see above.

The Contractor shall provide replacement trees, at Contractor’s expense, if trees are damaged by the contractor or sub-contractor due to inappropriate activities. The replacement tree(s) shall be replaced in size and kind of the damaged tree unless otherwise directed by the County Representative. Any replacements that are required are subject to mitigation based on mitigation formulas identified in

County of Sacramento Tree Preservation Ordinance.

Any other tree pruning not described above shall be considered unscheduled work and shall be directed and approved by the County Representative. The Contractor shall receive a work authorization prior to beginning any work.

10. Shrub Pruning:

Shrub pruning shall be performed as needed to: (1) eliminate encroachment over roadways, walkways, paved areas, pedestrian areas; (2) to eliminate any visibility obstructions; (3) to remove undesirable growth; (4) to remove all dead, damaged or diseased branches; (5) to remove growth that is causing damage to other facilities or infrastructure; (6) eliminate encroachment and/or nuisance concerns for adjacent properties; (7) and for landscape aesthetics purposes

Shrub pruning for the following shall also be performed one time per year ONLY as directed to a height of 6” or less above the finished grade or as specifically described below;

• Pennisetum – Shall be pruned in February to 6 inches height

• Hybrid Roses Varieties – Shall be pruned in February to less than 12 inches

• Romneya – Shall be pruned in November 50% or as directed

• Muhlenbergia – Shall be pruned in November to 6 inches height

• Penstemon – Shall be pruned prior to November to less than 12 inches or above woody tissue

• Lantana – Shall be pruned in November to less than 12 inches

• Daffodils – Pruning shall consist of leaf cleanup once per year only as directed

• Dietes – as directed

• Hemerocallis – dead foliage removal as needed for aesthetic purposes

Shrubs shall be pruned to insure proper growth and control. All pruning shall be done by qualified professional personnel using approved methods and techniques. Shrubs shall be cleanly cut with no tearing of the tissue. Shrubs are to be allowed to take their natural shape whenever possible. Shearing or "boxing" will not be permitted unless directed by the County Representative.

The Contractor shall provide replacement shrubs, at Contractor’s expense, if shrubs are damaged.

11. Tree Staking:

The Contractor shall maintain existing stakes, ties and protective devices at all times on all young trees until such time as they are no longer needed for support. The Contractor shall remove the stakes and ties as soon as possible and when directed. Special care shall be taken to avoid any damage to tree trunks or branches by ties and stakes. Staked trees shall be inspected monthly to prevent such damage.

The Contractor shall replace any plant material damaged due to the lack of inspection or repair of stakes and ties at the Contractor’s cost.

Trees shall be tied to stakes using only two broad ties of industry standard ties unless the Contractor obtains prior approval by the County Representative to use an optional method.

12. Planting Area Fertilization:

Fertilizer shall be applied two (2) times per year: in March and October. Fertilizer shall be homogenized time-release pellet type, balance by weight for seasonal needs or as directed/approved by the County

Representative. Each application shall be at a rate of two (2) pounds per one thousand (1,000) square feet. The contractor shall remove all fertilizers that do not remain in the target area, for example sidewalk, gutters, hardscape. The fertilizers that do not remain in the target area shall be collected, reused or disposed of per County of Sacramento regulation. The Landscape Contractor shall provide an annual fertilization schedule to be approved by the County Representative.

All fertilizers shall be watered into the soil within three days of application and/or per manufacturer’s specifications. Where drips systems exist, the fertilizer shall be watered into the soil within three days of application, using a hose if necessary or water truck if necessary. The Contractor may use dissolvable fertilizer tablets deposited into the wye-filter with prior approval of the County Representative. The

Contractor shall use tablets produced for this type of application.

The County Representative may require the Contractor to deposit empty fertilizer bags at a predetermined location to verify composition and rate of application.

The Contractor shall notify the County Representative in writing 48 hours in advance of applications with specific locations identified for verification of applications. Lack of notification will result in payment withholding.

13. Tree Fertilization:

Fertilizer shall be applied two (2) times per year: in March and October. Fertilizer shall be homogenized time-release pellet type, balance by weight for seasonal needs or as directed/approved by the County

Representative. Each application shall be at a rate of two (2) pounds per one thousand (1,000) square feet. The contractor shall remove all fertilizers that do not remain in the target area, for example sidewalk, gutters, hardscape. The fertilizers that do not remain in the target area shall be collected, reused or disposed of per County of Sacramento regulation. The Landscape Contractor shall provide an annual fertilization schedule to be approved by the County Representative.

All fertilizers shall be watered into the soil within three days of application and/or per manufacturer’s specifications. Where drips systems exist, the fertilizer shall be watered into the soil within three days of application, using a hose if necessary or water truck if necessary. The Contractor may use dissolvable fertilizer tablets deposited into the wye-filter with prior approval of the County Representative. The

Contractor shall use tablets produced for this type of application.

The County Representative may require the Contractor to deposit empty fertilizer bags at a predetermined location to verify composition and rate of application.

The Contractor shall notify the County Representative in writing 48 hours in advance of applications with specific locations identified for verification of applications. Lack of notification will result in payment withholding.

14. Weed Control:

The landscaped areas shall be kept free of weeds at all times during the entire term of the contract.

Weed removal may be done manually or by use of selective weed killers as recommended by a Pest

Control Advisor. Damage caused by herbicide and pesticide use that is not the intended target shall be the liability of the contractor and shall be repaired at contractor’s cost.

Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations. Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Manufacturer’s Label.

In Mitigation areas, enclosures shall be considered planting areas and shall be kept free of weeds at all times. Where enclosures do not exist, maintained wells are considered to be a 6-foot diameter circle from the center point of the plant.

Weeds that reach a height of 4 inches or more shall be manually removed or hand pulled. Chemical spraying shall not be permitted for weeds exceeding 4 inches in height. All weed debris shall be removed from the area.

15. Groundcover and Vine Pruning:

Ground covers and vines shall be pruned as needed to: (1) eliminate encroachment over roadways, walkways, paved areas, pedestrian areas, into other shrubs or planting; (2) to eliminate any visibility obstructions; (3) to remove undesirable growth; (4) to remove all dead, damaged or diseased branches;

(5) to remove growth that is causing damage to other facilities or infrastructure; (6) eliminate encroachment and/or nuisance concerns for adjacent properties; (7) and for landscape aesthetics purposes.

Groundcovers and vines shall be pruned one (1) time per year as directed by the County Representative.

• Hypericum - shall be pruned every February, to a height of three (3) inches.

• Mexican Primrose – shall be pruned every February to 4 inches height or lower

• Vines - within four (4) inches of the face and top of the sound wall, when directed by the County

Representative.

16. Groundcover and Vine Edging:

Groundcovers and vines shall be edged one (1) time per month, along sidewalks, mow strips and edges between groundcover and other plant material types throughout the contract term.

Vines shall be edged/pruned at the bottom of the sound wall to eliminate horizontal growth into planting areas. Care shall be taken to protect vines and shrubs from damage due to pruning activity.

Damage caused by the contractor’s activities shall be repaired at contractor’s expense.

17. Groundcover and Vine Fertilization:

Fertilizer shall be applied two (2) times per year: in March and October. Fertilizer shall be homogenized time-release pellet type, balance by weight for seasonal needs or as directed/approved by the County

Representative. Each application shall be at a rate of two (2) pounds per one thousand (1,000) square feet. The contractor shall remove all fertilizers that do not remain in the target area, for example sidewalk, gutters, hardscape. The fertilizers that do not remain in the target area shall be collected, reused or disposed of per County of Sacramento regulation. The Landscape Contractor shall provide an annual fertilization schedule to be approved by the County Representative.

All fertilizers shall be watered into the soil within three days of application and/or per manufacturer’s specifications. Where drips systems exist, the fertilizer shall be watered into the soil within three days of application, using a hose if necessary or water truck if necessary. The Contractor may use dissolvable fertilizer tablets deposited into the wye-filter with prior approval of the County Representative. The

Contractor shall use tablets produced for this type of application.

The County Representative may require the Contractor to deposit empty fertilizer bags at a predetermined location to verify composition and rate of application.

The Contractor shall notify the County Representative in writing 48 hours in advance of applications with specific locations identified for verification of applications. Lack of notification will result in payment withholding.

18. Weed Control:

The landscaped areas shall be kept free of weeds at all times during the entire term of the contract.

Weed removal may be done manually or by use of selective weed killers as recommended by a Pest

Control Advisor. Damage caused by herbicide and pesticide use that is not the intended target shall be the liability of the contractor and shall be repaired at contractor’s cost.

Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations. Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Manufacturer’s Label.

In Mitigation areas, enclosures shall be considered planting areas and shall be kept free of weeds at all times. Where enclosures do not exist, maintained wells are considered to be a 6-foot diameter circle from the center point of the plant.

Weeds that reach a height of 4 inches or more shall be manually removed or hand pulled. Chemical spraying shall not be permitted for weeds exceeding 4 inches in height. All weed debris shall be removed from the area.

19. Litter Removal in Landscaped area:

Landscaped areas shall be kept free of all litter, i.e. paper, rubbish, debris, leaves, branches one (1) time per week during the entire contract term. No debris shall be blown onto roadways or walkways. All litter removed shall be disposed of at the Contractor's expense.

In Mitigation areas, enclosures shall be considered planting areas and shall be kept free of litter one time per week. Where enclosures do not exist, maintained wells are considered to be a 3-foot diameter circle from the center point of the plant.

All mulch, bark and decomposed granite shall be kept within the planter area, and clean from walks and gutters.

Any hazardous material or unusual and/or unknown materials shall be reported to the Hazardous

Materials Specialist immediately at 875-5857.

20. Litter Removal in Paved, Decomposed Granite, Rock areas:

Sidewalks, curbs, gutters, pavers, paved areas, decomposed granite (dg) and rock blanket areas adjacent or within the site shall be kept free of all litter, i.e. paper, rubbish and debris, one (1) time per week during the entire contract term. No debris or cuttings shall be blown onto roadways or walkways. All litter removed shall be disposed of at the Contractor's expense.

Decomposed granite areas shall be raked with a metal leaf rake one (1) time per month during the entire contract term.

21. Weed Control in Paved, Decomposed Granite & Rock Blanket areas:

Sidewalks, curbs, gutters, pavers, paved areas, decomposed granite (dg), bare areas and rock blanket areas adjacent or within the site shall be kept free of weeds at all times during the entire term of the contract. Weed removal may be done manually or by use of selective weed killers as recommended by a

Pest Control Advisor. Damage caused by herbicide and pesticide use that is not the intended target shall be the liability of the contractor and shall be repaired at contractor’s cost.

Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations. Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Manufacturer’s Label.

In Mitigation areas, enclosures shall be considered planting areas and shall be kept free of weeds at all times. Where enclosures do not exist, maintained wells are considered to be a 6-foot diameter circle from the center point of the plant.

Weeds that reach a height of 4 inches or more shall be manually removed or hand pulled. Chemical spraying shall not be permitted for weeds exceeding 4 inches in height. All weed debris shall be removed from the area.

In some cases the areas to be kept free of weeds is vacant land that may contain uneven ground and/or deleterious materials that require chemical applications at the appropriate times to minimize difficult mechanical removal.

22. Median(s) Weed Control:

The entire median(s) shall be kept free of weeds, nose to nose, curb to curb, including the planting areas at all times during the entire contract term. Weed removal may be done manually or by use of selective weed killers as recommended by a Pest Control Advisor. Damage caused by herbicide and pesticide use that is not the intended target shall be the liability of the contractor and shall be repaired at contractor’s cost.

Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Local, State and Federal regulations. Chemical applications shall be performed in accordance with Manufacturer’s Label.

In Mitigation areas, enclosures shall be considered planting areas and shall be kept free of weeds at all times. Where enclosures do not exist, maintained wells are considered to be a 6-foot diameter circle from the center point of the plant.

Weeds that reach a height of 4 inches or more shall be manually removed or hand pulled. Chemical spraying shall not be permitted for weeds exceeding 4 inches in height. All weed debris shall be removed from the area.

In some cases the areas to be kept free of weeds is vacant land that may contain uneven ground and/or deleterious materials that require chemical applications at the appropriate times to minimize difficult mechanical removal.

23. Median(s) Litter Removal:

The entire median(s) shall be kept free of all litter, i.e. paper, trash, debris, leaves, branches, glass, wood, etc. two (2) times per month during the entire contract term.

The entire median(s) shall be swept or vacuumed every other month. Drainage cut outs, breaks in the median shall be kept free of debris and any deleterious materials that will impede water flow. Blowers may be used to clean the median(s) at the contractors risk however, is typically not adequate for type of debris accumulation. All debris shall be disposed of at the Contractor's expense. All debris shall be removed from the area. No debris shall be blown onto roadways or walkways.

24. Weed Abatement:

Contractor shall mow or weed eat all weeds to a height of four-inches (4”) or less one (1) time per year.

Weeds shall be mowed or weed eaten on the entire property. Weed abatement shall occur during the month of May or as directed. All slash or weed material shall be removed at the contractor’s expense.

Tree wells shall be kept free of weeds at all times. The Tree well shall be considered the drip line of the specific tree.

Fence lines, property lines, around obstacles such as: bollards, posts, signs, utilities, etc. shall be cleared of weeds one (1) time per year in conjunction with Weed Abatement. Removal may be done manually or by use of selective weed killers as recommended by a Pest Control Advisor. The contractor shall not damage obstacles by mechanical devices.